Land surveys are expensive, but they can save you a fortune in the long run. Getting one done every few years is a good idea, especially if you’re considering buying or selling property.
Mortgage lenders often require home sellers to provide a survey before closing. Land surveys also help settle disputes between neighbors regarding encroachments and property lines.
Property Lines
Property surveys are a vital tool for landowners because they clearly delineate the exact boundaries of a piece of property. Without this information, a bank may not be able to lend on the property, and construction crews won’t know where they can or cannot build. As a result, property owners should have their land surveyed at least once every 10 years to make sure the information is up to date.
In addition to establishing property lines, land surveys can also identify underground utility locations, to do so contact Castle Surveys. A professional surveyor will check the location of these lines and notify you if they cross your property. Knowing the location of these lines can help prevent costly accidents and damage to your property.
Land surveys can also provide useful information about the zoning for a particular piece of land. Whether you’re planning to build a new home, install utilities or change the use of the land, a survey will help ensure that any changes comply with local laws. Land surveys can even reveal historical features, such as an old burial ground.
Having an accurate property survey can protect you from legal disputes with neighbors. A professional land surveyor can determine where your property line begins and end, which can avoid unnecessary disagreements over things like fence placement. It’s a good idea to get a survey before you start any projects, such as building a fence or planting trees, to confirm that you are within your own property boundaries.
Surveys are also a good idea for homeowners who are considering selling their property. An accurate survey can give buyers peace of mind and help speed up the closing process. Additionally, a survey can help sellers price their property correctly based on the true size of the lot.
For land investors, a land survey can be invaluable for determining the quality of a potential investment. A professional land survey will verify the correct dimensions of the property and indicate any existing easements or other factors that could affect its value. A survey will also show the current shape of a parcel and compare it to the legal description on file at the tax office.
Boundary Disputes
It’s not uncommon for disputes to arise between property owners regarding where the actual boundaries of their land are located. A survey can provide this information and help settle any disputes before they escalate into costly litigation. It also helps protect the property owner from encroachment on neighbors or other entities with the right to use the land.
A professional survey also identifies any structures on the land that may have crossed over or violated property lines. This can include fences, sheds and other structures as well as driveways, sidewalks, streets, power lines, pipelines, wetlands, lakes, streams and ponds. This is important because local zoning laws require that these structures be kept within the property line, which is only possible when these issues are identified.
Often, mortgage lenders will require a property to be surveyed before they approve a loan. This is important for the bank as it ensures that the legal description of the property matches its actual size. It also allows them to offer the buyer a mortgage with an appropriate amount of debt. Licensed surveyors can provide a certificate stating that no discrepancies have been found in the boundary line of the property.
Another reason a land survey is important is that it can identify any existing easements. This is important for potential buyers because easements allow another entity access to the property for specific purposes. Having this information upfront can save time and money in the closing process by helping to avoid any potential issues that could derail a purchase deal.
Land surveys are also useful for planning future improvements on the property. This can be anything from a new driveway to an addition onto the house, and it’s essential for knowing where these structures should be located to minimize any potential encroachments or violations of other’s property rights. It’s also helpful for determining if an improvement will comply with local zoning laws.
When it comes to investing in land, a professional land survey is an essential tool for investors of all types. By understanding how this process works and why it’s so important, you can make more informed decisions about your investments and better position yourself for success in the land market.
Legal Easements
Land surveys are a must for anyone that owns property or wants to make changes. These surveys are the only way to determine exactly where property lines start and end, which is critical for preventing conflict with neighbors and making sure you don’t break any local laws. Land surveys are also a necessity when buying and selling property or applying for a mortgage.
There are several different types of land surveying services, and each has its own unique purpose. Boundary surveys are the most common and used to locate property corners and boundary lines on a parcel of land. These surveys use both recorded deeds and physical markers to determine property boundaries.
Topographic surveys map out a parcel’s terrain, including elevations and natural or man-made features. These are useful for planning construction projects or understanding a parcel’s development potential. ALTA/NSPS surveys are more comprehensive and are typically used for commercial real estate transactions. They provide detailed information about property boundaries, easements, encroachments, and other important details.
Regardless of the type of survey you need, most experts recommend getting your land surveyed as often as possible. This will help ensure that the results are accurate and up to date. However, the exact time frame for when you should have your land surveyed will vary depending on your state’s regulations and the amount of change to the property.
A land survey is a necessity whenever you plan on making changes to your property, like adding a fence, driveway or garden. Without a land survey, it’s difficult to know where your property line is, which can lead to costly mistakes down the road. Land surveys are also essential when building anything more permanent, such as a pond or parking structure.
If you’re thinking about purchasing a property, it’s recommended that you get a land survey done before you close the deal. This will give you peace of mind and prevent any unexpected legal issues down the road. In addition, if you’re planning to sell your property in the future, having an up-to-date land survey will make it much easier to attract buyers.
Property Value
A professional land survey is a valuable investment for property owners. It helps them make more informed decisions, avoid legal disputes, and protect their property from future damages that may arise due to unclear boundaries or incorrect construction. It can also increase a property’s value by providing peace of mind to buyers and lenders alike.
A survey is typically performed by a licensed surveyor who will review important documents, such as deeds and property descriptions along with previous surveys filed in the county courthouse. They will then go out on the property to locate property lines, identify features, and create a map. Once they have a clear picture of the property’s boundaries, they will mark them using stakes or flags to easily identify the location. This information is critical for anyone who wants to build a fence, pool, shed, or other structure on their land. It is also useful for property owners who want to ensure that their structures meet zoning regulations.
Once a land survey is completed, it can be used as a reference when legal disputes or issues arise. For example, if a neighbor builds a fence or shed on your property line, you can use the survey to prove that they are violating your rights. A surveyor can also help you resolve the dispute and find a solution that works for everyone.
Another important reason to get a land survey is that it is often required by banks, funding agencies, and mortgage companies in order to obtain a loan or purchase a piece of property. A survey will alert the lender to any boundary discrepancies that can cause confusion or legal problems in the future, and they will work with the property owner to find a solution.
While it may seem like getting a land survey is an unnecessary expense, there are many situations in which it is necessary or beneficial for property owners. By following this guide, you can understand the benefits of a land survey and be prepared to navigate the process. If you’re interested in purchasing a piece of land, contact us today and we can help match you with a trusted land seller.
